C-TPAT opens for logistics providers

C-TPAT opens for logistics providers U.S. Customs and Border Protection has published minimum-security guidelines for third-party logistics providers seeking entry into the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.
   3PLs are the last industry category eligible to join the voluntary supply chain security partnership program that already covers importers, ocean carriers, customs brokers, motor carriers, airlines, certain foreign manufacturers, foreign marine terminal operators and others.
   CBP took more than a year to develop the criteria to ensure proper accountability for an industry in which subcontracting is prevalent.
   The criteria state that a 3PL wishing to participate in C-TPAT must “be directly involved in the handling and management of the cargo throughout any point in the international supply chain,” and use its own transportation, consolidation and/or warehousing assets and resources instead of hiring out those functions.
   Other logistics functions can be handled by an outside service provider, as long as the work isn’t parceled out to a third party.
   The freight forwarder must be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission, CBP or the Department of Transportation and have an office in the United States.
      Non-asset-based 3PLs are excluded from the program because they do not have the ability to impact the physical security of cargo operations, CBP said.
   The minimum-security criteria for 3PLs can be found on the CBP Web site at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/third_party/. ' Eric Kulisch